Sara Knotts

Director of Finance

Professional Overview

Sara Knotts is an experienced finance and operations professional with a strong track record of driving organizational efficiency and growth. As the Director of Finance at CHICAGO RECOVERY ALLIANCE, she oversees all financial operations, reporting, and strategic planning, ensuring the organization's financial health and sustainability. Additionally, she serves as the Director of Operations at North Carolina Survivors Union and as a Finance and Operations Consultant at Community First Support Services, leveraging her diverse expertise to support various nonprofit and community-based initiatives.

Experience Summary

Current Roles

Director of Finance, CHICAGO RECOVERY ALLIANCE (2024-03-01 to Present)

Oversees all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting

Implements streamlined processes and systems to improve financial management and decision-making

Collaborates with the executive team to develop and execute the organization's financial strategy

Director of Operations, North Carolina Survivors Union (2023-09-01 to Present)

Manages the day-to-day operations of the organization, ensuring efficient workflows and resource allocation

Oversees the implementation of new programs and initiatives, contributing to the organization's growth and impact

Finance and Operations Consultant, Community First Support Services (2023-06-01 to Present)

Provides strategic financial and operational guidance to nonprofit clients, helping them optimize their resources and achieve their goals

Develops and implements customized solutions to address each client's unique challenges

Previous Roles

Director of Finance and Administration, Generation Hope (2022-03-01 to 2023-06-01)

Managed all financial and administrative functions, including budgeting, reporting, and compliance

Streamlined processes and implemented new systems to improve operational efficiency

Played a key role in securing funding and grants to support the organization's growth

Senior Grants and Finance Administrator, Children's National Hospital (2022-03-01 to 2022-03-01)

Oversaw the management and reporting of grants, ensuring compliance with donor requirements

Collaborated with program teams to align financial and operational activities

Academic Background

Sara holds a Bachelor's degree in Accounting from the University of Maryland, where she graduated with honors. She is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and has completed additional training in nonprofit financial management and strategic planning.

Areas of Expertise

Nonprofit financial management and reporting

Budgeting and forecasting

Grant administration and compliance

Process improvement and operational optimization

Strategic planning and organizational growth

Professional Impact

Throughout her career, Sara has demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting the financial and operational success of nonprofit organizations. She has played a pivotal role in securing funding, streamlining processes, and driving organizational growth, contributing to the positive impact of the communities she serves.

Conclusion

With her extensive experience in finance, operations, and strategic planning, Sara Knotts is a valuable asset to the nonprofit sector. Her passion for driving organizational efficiency and sustainability, combined with her technical expertise and collaborative leadership style, makes her a respected and influential professional in her field.